Railway transport: certification of train crews and drivers. 3rd package

The European Parliament voted on the "third rail package" - three separate reports on opening up rail networks to competition (COD/2004/0047), minimum rights for passengers (COD/2004/0049) and a European licence for train drivers (COD/2004/0048.). Wide differences remain between Parliament and the Council, and this legislation is now expected to go to conciliation.

In this report by Gilles Savary (PES, FR) on certification of crews, Parliament basically followed the recommendations of its competent committee. The key change from the common position is that Parliament insists that crew members (and not only train drivers) performing safety-related tasks should be in possession of a certificate attesting that they meet minimum requirements relating to medical fitness, basic education and general professional skills.

For the key amendments, please refer to the summary dated 19/12/2006.)